A 1911 World Series press pin will be among the stars of Heritage Auctions' February 25-26 Platinum Night Sports Catalog sale.

It originates from the collection of sports writer Stephen O Grauley.

This was the first World Series press pin ever issued

Press pins were issued to sportswriters for the first time during the 1911 contest, between the Philadelphia Athletics and the New York Giants.

Grauley, a journalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer and a friend of Athletics manager Cornelius McGillicuddy, asked that all members of press be given a badge to ensure entry to the game.

Heritage's director of sports collectibles, Chris Ivy, explained Grauley's reasoning: "Giants manager John McGraw was notorious for cramming his buddies into the press box for important games.

"With Philly within easy striking distance of New York City, Grauley suspected McGraw would attempt the same for the 1911 World Series games at Shibe Park.

"Thus the press pin was born as a means of regulating entry to the limited square footage of Philadelphia's home field journalist quarters."

The 1911 version is by far the most desirable press pin on the market and only rarely appears at auction.

One sold for $53,325 in 2013.

The lot is the finest known and is estimated to make in excess of $40,000.